When I first sat down to write Gertie Saves the Day, I didn’t plan on creating a character that children and adults would fall in love with—but that’s exactly what happened. Gertie is out in the world now, and every time someone finishes the book and reaches out, I’m reminded how many different ways readers connect with her story.
Instead of a summary, I thought I’d take a different approach. Here are readers questions about Gertie Saves the Day—some I’ve been asked, and some I imagine are floating around in your minds.
Why a story about a groundhog?
This is a question I am asked most often and it is the easiest for me to answer. Groundhog Day was one of my favorites! I was usually the first one up to watch the weather forecast on Groundhog Day. I found it fascinating that farmers used groundhogs and other animals to decide when to plant their crops. As a child, I wished for 6 weeks of winter. I loved snowball fights, building snowmen and snow days!
What inspired the character of Gertie?
Gertie is a mix of many things: stories my grandmother told me about growing up, and her best friend – Gertie. The two of them were always having adventures. Gertie is definitely a part of me too. Those who know me, know I am stubborn and will not take NO as an answer. Gertie is fictional, but her spirit feels very real to me.
Why did you choose the school setting?
The setting of a story isn’t just a backdrop; it’s part of the story. Gertie is in school and learning about Groundhog Day from her teacher, Mrs. Mole. What better place for learning than classroom. I wanted the setting to feel like its own character, quietly influencing her every step. They say to write about what you know and as a former classroom teacher the setting was very easy to write.
What kind of challenges does Gertie face?
Without giving too much away: Gertie is underestimated by her classmate Jeff. He declares that he is going to be the big winner. Gertie’s biggest challenge isn’t just the competition, but convincing others (and sometimes herself) that she’s capable of winning. Her growth comes from trusting her instincts and believing in herself.
What themes did you hope would resonate most deeply with readers?
Resilience, courage, and the quiet power of someone who simply refuses to give up. It’s not a story about perfection—it’s about persistence, and how the smallest act of kindness can turn out to be the most heroic.
Was there a particular moment in the story that was difficult for you to write?
Yes—there’s a scene (you’ll know it when you get there) where Gertie makes a decision that changes everything. Writing it felt like watching someone you care about entering into a pivotal moment and you are not sure how it will go. I had to let Gertie do it her way and it was just what the story needed.
If you could ask Gertie one question, what would it be?
I think I’d ask her, “Were you ever scared?” And I imagine she’d say yes—but that she did it anyway. That’s what makes her who she is. I imagine her saying something like, “Of course I was scared and for a moment I had my doubts. But it’s more important to try and learn than to not try at all.”
Did you learn anything surprising about yourself while writing this book?
That I’m more like Gertie than I realized. Writing her gave me a strange kind of courage—to face my doubts about writing and learning to accept criticism. She reminded me that sometimes, the most important thing is just do it! Gertie gave me wings to fly when it comes to writing.
Is Gertie’s story complete, or could there be more adventures in her future?
I’ll just say… I’m not done thinking about her. And Gertie’s the kind of girl who never stays still for long.
Want to learn more about Gertie? Check out this post and this one.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve read Gertie Saves the Day, thank you for taking that journey with her. If you haven’t yet, maybe these questions gave you a little window into why this story matters to me—and maybe why it might matter to you, too.
And if you have a question that isn’t on this list, I’d love to hear it. Gertie’s story might be on the page, but it keeps growing through the conversations you bring to it.
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With gratitude …
I am so glad you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am grateful that I can share my writing journey with you. It is an endless adventure of learning and growing.
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Until Next Time …
Karen